x
Breaking News
More () »

Carowinds joining facilities around the country to help elevate the importance of teaching kids to swim

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson was created to send the message that swimming lessons save lives.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carowinds is joining facilities across the country to help kids learn how to swim during its World’s Largest Swim Lesson.

The water park at Carowinds is among the hundreds of water parks, aquatic centers, and swim schools holding simultaneous water-safety instruction for the 13th annual event.

Dozens of kids ages 1 -13 can participate.

Parents like Michelle Frederick got involved to make sure her kid is introduced to as many survivor skills as possible.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

“All of our kids need to strengthen their swimming skills their tons of kids that end up dying every year that end up dying every year from swim accidents," Frederick said.

RELATED: How to stay cool in a heat wave: 5 Fast Facts

RELATED: Pediatricians expecting to see an uptick in kids visiting for heat related illnesses this summer

Research shows drowning is the leading cause of unintended death of children ages 1-4 and the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. 

Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning for kids ages 1-4 by 88%.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.

Carowinds Aquatics Instructor Alicia Pereira teaches kids basic strokes to teach kids how to help someone in trouble.

“It’s super important to know how to swim or at the very least know how to float and keep yourself up in the water," Pereira said.

Contact Ruby Durham at rdurham@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. 

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts   

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out